TOMS RIVER, NJ — Ignoring the hard stares burning into him from dozens of police officers, a man accused of killing a New Jersey policeman turned away from a judge yesterday and mouthed “I love you” to his relatives.

Jahmell Crockam is charged with murder and weapons offenses in the shooting death of Lakewood Patrolman Christopher Matlosz on Friday. If convicted, he could be sentenced to life in prison without parole.

But as Superior Court Judge Wendel Daniels read the charges during Crockam’s first court appearance, the 19-year- old man appeared unconcerned, turning from the judge toward relatives sitting in the back of the courtroom.

Three times during the five-minute appearance, he mouthed “I love you” to his family.

Crockam was arrested Sunday morning in Camden after police received a tip he was hiding in an apartment there about 60 miles from the crime scene.

He answered “Yes” when the judge asked him if he understood the charges.